Both fireclay and stainless steel have a nonporous surface that won't stain. These materials also resist heat, and they won't crack or splinter over time. Make sure you choose farmhouse kitchen sinks that can handle a lot of use.
Fireclay sinks can also chip or crack when struck by heavy objects, but they are more resistant to chips, cracks, scratches and stains than porcelain. Fireclay is almost synonymous with the farmhouse or apron front style, but double-bowl sinks are also available.
Compared to other ceramic-style sinks, fireclay is incredibly durable and resistant. It's hard to break or nick a fireclay sink. The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact.
The two top contenders are either a enamel-coated cast iron or a fireclay apron sink. Both are very strong materials, and both have been used for hundreds of years to make not only sinks but also structural building materials and tools for extreme temperatures.
In conclusion, if you would like a cost effective coloured sink you might want to look into the granite sink ranges. If you are looking for an easy to clean, premium material you would want to look into a fine fireclay sink. We hope that gives you an insight into the features and benefits of each type of material.
Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials. Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.
Perhaps the only con is the price. Fireclay sinks generally cost more than a stainless steel sink. However, when you look at all the features and durability it is well worth the price. Plus, you only have to buy a sink once since it's going to last you a long…
Granite composite farmhouse sinks are among the toughest out there, resistant to scratches and stains. While quartz composite farmhouse sinks are available, they are not considered quite as durable.
It's no surprise that due to its functional design and timeless and elegant appeal that the fireclay farmhouse sink has made a resurgence among homeowners in America too. Thanks to Joanna Gaines, the fireclay farmhouse sink has gained added popularity and has become a favorite feature in new home kitchens today.
Stainless Steel Sinks
One can't go wrong with a good quality stainless steel sink as they are durable, strong, efficient and easy to clean. Professional and heavy duty kitchens always opt for a stainless steel sink as they are durable and can tolerate quite a bit of abuse.
To avoid this, it is important to dry the sink after each use. To avoid unwanted build-up, it is recommended to dry your sink after each use. Soft abrasive cleaners may be used when necessary (Blue Scotch-Brite Pads). Strong abrasive cleaners will scratch and dull the surface (Green Scotch-Brite Pads).
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
Fireclay, which is a ceramic material made by mixing clay and glaze, can crack or chip if you drop something heavy on it, but it takes more force to do damage.
Avoid pouring boiling water into sink. Run cold water if hot liquids are poured into sink.
This repair kit has everything you need to quickly repair any minor cosmetic damages such as chips or hairline cracks to your fireclay or porcelain (ceramic, china) sink.
However, there are some key differences between the two types of sinks. Apron sinks are generally smaller than farmhouse sinks. They are available in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, and porcelain. Apron sinks are available in different styles, including single-bowl and double-bowl options.
Due to fireclay's thicker nature, it requires special drain inserts, faucets, and accessories. An extended flange fits the deeper drain hole and can be paired with a stopper or strainer basket according to your needs.
Believe it or not, it's actually pretty hard to “scratch” porcelain (or fireclay) sinks. It's more likely that you'll get grey/black marks on the bottom from pans or stainless steel utensils. These might look like scratches, but they are easily removed with Soft Scrub, a sponge, and a little elbow grease.
Durability: This sink is heavy duty and super durable. Since it's fireclay, which is a blend of clay and glaze, it's scratch, stain and heat resistant. It also resists cracks and it doesn't chip. We aren't necessarily easy on the sink and it holds up like a champ.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
For harder-to-clean stains, we recommend using 50/50 water and bleach or vinegar solution or a non-abrasive cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a soft dry cloth. You can also use a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser®.
Fireclay sinks are known for their durability and resistance to scratches and chips. The heavy-duty material can withstand heavy use, making it a great choice for families with young children or busy households. Quartz sinks are also durable, but they are not as scratch-resistant as fireclay sinks.
The high-quality glaze makes fine fireclay sinks the most hygienic sink on the market, being completely non-porous and very easy to clean. It also ensures the sink will not stain over time and is highly scratch resistant.